Monday, January 21, 2013

CARBO FAN FICTION-Return Journey: Chapter 10

‘Ciara...’ Bo began,
but Ciara was too happy and animated to heed her father. ‘Darcy’s getting married!’ She burst out gleefully, skipping about
in excitement. ‘And I’m going to be a flower girl and Mel’s going to be her
bridesmaid!’

Bo tightened his
lips, his eyes as hard as granite and she flushed red, immediately reading the
expression on her son’s face. How could she expect to know anything going on in
Darcy’s life after her behaviour towards Carly especially had caused Darcy to
alienate herself from the family in the first place? Hope sipped her coffee,
showing no interest.

‘So Daniel asked her
to marry him? I didn't think they were serious.’

Shocked, Caroline turned
to Maggie. ‘Wait... You knew about this and you didn't tell me?’

‘No, no... of course
not, honey!’ Caroline immediately drew Ciara to her side. ‘It’s just a surprise
that’s all. But a very wonderful surprise; I’m excited for her too.’

Smiling again, Ciara
ran to Hope. ‘Mummy, Darcy said she’s going to pick out my flower girl dress
and I’m going to have a flower basket and Melanie will be behind me and Darcy
will come wearing a white dress...’

‘That’s fine
sweetheart,’ Hope replied, trying to smile at her daughter’s eager expression.
‘It was very sweet of your sister to choose you especially.’

‘Me too, I don't
want anybody else to be flower girl but me!’ Ciara said firmly.

Bo looked more than
ready to explode so Caroline hastily asked one of the waitresses to take Ciara
to the kitchen; explaining to the little girl that the grownups wanted to have
a serious talk about her sister’s wedding. Taking the hint, Ciara meekly
followed Tess.

‘Bo, I don't
understand this... how can Darcy be involved with Daniel? I thought he was with Carly now.’

‘I thought so too,
until Hope and I saw them at the square.’ Maggie replied, glancing at Hope.

‘Please, just stop!’
Bo snapped, still trying to get rid of the image of Daniel and Darcy kissing
and lying in each other’s arms.

‘Just why are you so
upset about this?’ Hope asked, her tone as neutral as possible but her heart
beating fast; wondering if that conniving bitch had told Bo the truth after
all. And if she had, she was more than ready to do battle to keep her marriage.

‘Because young
brunette girls seem to be a damn weakness of his! First Chelsea, then Chloe-
who just happened to be another man’s wife when he seduced her- now Darcy, an
innocent kid who spent most of her life in a convent, what the hell does she
know about men?’

‘From what we saw
that day, she seemed to know enough.’ Hope said before she could stop herself.

‘You will not talk
about my daughter that way again, got that?’ Bo snapped, making her flinch.

‘Bo, don't take it
out on Hope, what’s the matter with you?’ Caroline scolded.

‘And you’re making
it sound like Daniel is some wild playboy; which he isn't.’ Maggie added. ‘So
he made a few errors in judgement in the past but he really loved Chloe and his
breakup with her was not his fault and you know that. If he and Darcy are in
love now, you can’t keep them apart- she’s of age.’

‘He’s not right for
her.’ Bo said stubbornly. ‘And I’m going to have a word with Carly for allowing
this to go on and not telling me.’

‘Well, yes... she
should have told you, you’re Darcy’s father after all.’ Maggie hesitated,
exchanging a look with Caroline and then Hope. ‘So... since Carly’s not with
Daniel... does that mean the baby...’

‘Carly told me a
long time ago that I’m not the father.’ Bo replied as coldly as he could. ‘And
frankly, I could care less- I’ve got more important worries right now.’

He saw the look of
relief on the three women’s faces and just managed not to grind his teeth in
disgust.

‘No, no... he mostly
yelled at me and I gave it right back to him.’ Daniel glared at everyone who
could clearly see the bruise on his jaw; silently daring them to contradict
him. Nobody did.

‘He has no right; he
can’t stop us from being together.’

‘No, he can’t. But
your father’s more stubborn than a mule and it’s going to take a lot to make
him calm down.’ said Carly. As soon as she’d returned from Victor’s- Melanie
and Nathan wasted no time telling her what had happened. Knowing Bo, Carly knew
he was definitely going to give her an earful soon enough.

‘And one of the
things he’s going to have to accept that what happened between Daniel and
Chelsea is water under the bridge.’ Melanie added. ‘He can’t hold that against
him forever.’

‘It’s not just
that.’ Daniel looked at Carly. ‘He thought I was the father of your baby.’

‘Oh, dear God...’ Carly
moaned in horror.

‘What?’ Darcy
exclaimed.

‘Don’t you worry; I
didn't tell him anything. But you better brace yourself for questions, my
friend.’

Nathan looked very
confused. ‘Why would he think it’s Daniel’s when it’s obviously his?’ he asked
in surprise.

‘Well, it’s not.’
Carly replied shortly. She liked Nathan very much but he was a Horton; she
couldn't risk him babbling to Hope or worse, Maggie who- though kindness
itself- was the town gossip. Melanie knew the truth because Darcy told her and
she was capable of keeping a secret, so she trusted her completely. Besides
Nicholas, Frankie and Lynn; Maxine, Adrienne and now Victor knew Bo was the
father and the less people who knew the better. ‘Bo isn't the father and I
don't have to answer any questions he has because it’s none of his business-
I’ve told him that already.’

‘He doesn't have any
reason to bother you anyway, who the hell does he think he is, sticking his
nose into your life after he broke up with you?’ Nicholas asked bitterly. ‘That
man’s insufferable.’

‘I will handle Bo.’
Carly said, her tone firm. ‘But he’s not important right now. What we have to
focus now is this happy news.’ She leaned down to kiss Darcy and then Daniel. ‘Congratulations
to you both.’ Lynn did the same.

That brought a smile
back on Darcy’s face. ‘True. But for now, when am I going to be allowed to go
home?’

‘Tomorrow. And I’m
starting my maternity leave next week; with your condition and me barely able
to stand, I have no choice.’ Carly rubbed her stomach ruefully. ‘I swear
sometimes it feels like I’m carrying two Sumo wrestlers.’

Everyone laughed.
‘Well it has been a while since you were pregnant, Carly.’ Melanie pointed out.
‘It can’t be that easy now, and you were bound to take time off early.’

‘Which is what she
needs and I’m glad she’s taking it.’ Nicholas slipped his arm round his mother.
‘You still don't have any idea if it’s a boy or a girl?’

‘No... I told you I
want to see for myself when he or she comes; not before.’ Carly replied, still
rubbing her swollen stomach and trying not to be sad that Bo wouldn't be there
beside her when she had their baby.

:::::::::::

Guessing Bo would
come over to the house later, Carly sent Nicholas and Lynn to the store for
groceries and sure enough he showed up just as the locksmith had finished
changing the locks. Paying the man, Carly closed the door and entered the
living room where Bo was pacing, ‘So... let’s talk.’

Bo faced her, his
expression angry. ‘Just when were you going to tell me about Darcy and Daniel,
how could you keep such a thing from me?’

‘Daniel told me he
went to the station to tell you and you kicked him out after telling him you
could care less.’ Carly replied coldly.

‘I thought he was talking about you!’

‘Well, now you know
better.’ Carly was angry as well. ‘Daniel’s a good man and he and Darcy’s in
love. It makes no difference if you don't like it- Darcy’s an adult and she
knows what she wants and that’s being with the man she loves very much. And
whoever said Daniel and I are together or that he’s the father of my baby? Is
that another ludicrous rumour about me going around town?’

‘I saw you two
looking so cosy, what else was I suppose to think?’

‘And I saw you and
Hope kissing and I heard you telling her you never wanted to be without her
again, so I guess we are even!’ Carly shouted. ‘You asked me to forgive you, now
I’m starting to wonder why I did! My baby and my life are none of your
business; you left me to go back to your wife!’

Bo winced but he was
determined to get an answer. ‘Who’s the father?’

‘None of your
business.’

‘God damn it,
Carly!’

‘Don't you swear at
me, Bo Brady! Who do you think you are, talking to me like that? Why do you
care I got knocked up either by Daniel or any man; is this a matter of
misplaced ego?’

‘No, it’s the matter
of knowing Carly Manning; Carly Manning wouldn't just go to a bar looking for
meaningless sex! Since it’s not Daniel, then who else can it be?’

‘I’m going to say
this one more time, this baby has nothing to do with you and it’s none of your
business. And why should you be angry I went to another man; the whole time you
made love to me, you were thinking about Hope!’

‘Oh yeah, that’s
what you think? If you think that, then maybe the whole time we were together
years ago, I thought of her the whole time.’ Bo said cruelly. ‘Every time I
kissed you and touched you, it was actually her!’

Carly swallowed her
anger and hurt, willing herself not to cry. ‘Lesson learnt and you’ve said more
than enough. Get out of my house.’

Immediately contrite
and unable to believe he’d said such a terrible thing to her, Bo stepped
towards her. ‘Princess, I’m so sorry... I swear I didn't mean what I said.’ He
whispered.

Carly stared back,
her face tired and sad. ‘You didn't mean it... you never meant to hurt me...
just what am I supposed to believe now? Now it looks our love was a total sham-
not like what you feel for Hope, it was never how you feel for her!’

‘Carly... wait a
minute, look at me!’ Bo held her by the arms, desperately wanting to do damage
control. ‘it’s not true, none of it is true!’

Tears slid down
Carly’s cheeks as she disentangled herself from her grip. ‘Get out of my house,
Bo. Get out of my life.’

‘Carly....’

‘Just go!’ she sobbed, pushing him away. ‘Just
leave, get out of my house!’ she sank into an armchair, covering her face with
her hands.

Bo blinked back his
own tears, sickened and so ashamed of his behaviour. How could he have added
more hurt on her, by belittling their great love like that? ‘Princess,’ he
knelt down beside her. ‘I didn't mean it... the time we had together- I loved
you more than life itself, that’s not a lie. Please, I’m sorry; I was angry
that’s all.’

Carly raised her
head, her eyes red. ‘I asked you to leave. Get. Out.’ she said slowly, a note
of steel in her voice.

Swallowing, Bo rose
and left the house, got into the car and drove off; not noticing the car parked
at the other side of the street. If he had, he would have recognised it as
Hope’s and would’ve seen her behind the wheel.

Inside the house,
Carly wept bitterly and as if in sympathy; her baby gave a gentle kick.
Nicholas and Lynn came back and after consoling her, helped her up to bed.

::::::::::::::::::

Carly had no idea
how she was able to get through the night but she was able to sleep and despite
Nicholas and Lynn’s protests went to work the next morning. Bo was no longer a
lost love, he was a closed chapter. With that in mind, she drafted a letter of
resignation, letting the hospital board know that after she gave birth, she was
leaving Salem for good. The whole time she wrote it, she was stoical and did
not shed a tear. She was a survivor after all.

‘I really wish you
were moving to England with us right now.’ Nicholas said. ‘I don't want you in
this place a minute longer.’

‘The people of this
town and Vivian weren't able to drive me out of this town and I am not going to
let Bo Brady do so. When I leave, it will the day of my own choosing.’

Maxine told her that
Lexie had called in sick so Carly left the letter on her desk, hoping whatever
she had wasn't serious. Darcy was dressed and eager to go home; declaring she
wanted a large hoagie- she’d really loathed the hospital food. ‘I don't want to
taste liver ever again, yuck!’ she added, making everybody laugh.

‘We will stop by for
some on the way; lord knows I wouldn't mind a couple myself.’ Carly said. Rocky
Road ice cream and burgers, the baby was very demanding. All well and good but
she was the one who will have to do the callisthenics to get back in shape.

‘None for me,
though.’ Lynn reminded Nicholas, who groaned.

‘I find the most
beautiful woman ever to grace the pages of Harper’s
Bazaar and she has to be a vegetarian!’ he said in mock disgust, kissing
her on the forehead. ‘We’ll get you a salad, babe.’

Daniel kissed Darcy on
the mouth, promising to come by the house as soon as he could. Maxine and
Melanie promised to come by later as well. Just as Carly was closing the door
of her office, a young man bearing a bouquet of long stemmed yellow roses and
baby’s breath came up to her. ‘Dr. Carly Manning?’

‘Yes?’

He held out the
bouquet. ‘Delivery for you. Sign here please.’

Carly signed the
clipboard and took the flowers. She read the card which said, Forgive me, princess. Bo.

‘Not this time,
never again.’ she muttered, blinking back sudden tears. Turning to an orderly
who was nearby she gave it to him, asking him to throw it in the trash.

‘Throw them in the
trash?’ he asked in surprise.

‘Yes, throw them in
the trash, that’s where they belong!’ she spat, walking away.

:::::::::::::

The flowers were a
poor sort of way of apologising to Carly but Bo ordered them anyway, wondering
just how he’ll be able to get through to her; he’ll never forgive himself for
saying such a thing to her, and to her face. Why should he sit in judgement of
Daniel and his relationship with Darcy when he’d hurt Carly so badly? Their
time together had been the best few years of his life; their love had been
passionate, a love between spiritual equals. Every kiss, every touch was
forever embedded in his mind and heart and he’d spent years blocking them out
because he wanted to focus on what he had; his marriage to Hope after her
sudden return to his life. He’d always regarded Carly as the second great love
of his life and she was. Bo brooded over it as he stood at the same pier they’d
first met over twenty years ago. The pain on her face had broken her heart and
he’d been unable to sleep since then, managing to hide his feelings for Hope.

Hope! He grimaced,
shaking his head. He couldn't blame her for his inner misery; the blame was all
on him. He should have thought things over more carefully before allowing Carly
to end their relationship- he’d known the connection between him and Hope was
still there but he shouldn’t have made Carly feel she was only an interlude and
why wouldn’t she think that after what she saw and heard at the docks? Will his
shame and guilt never end?

‘You
sparked something in me; A flame. That flame sure is burning strong. I think it
consumed me.’

Carly’s
glowing smile sent his heart racing as always. In seconds, he was devouring her
mouth and as always she welcomed his kiss; his tongue in her sweet warmth.

‘I’m
so in love with you.’ she whispered.

‘That’s
good, princess. ‘Cause I sure do love you. More than life itself.’

From the moment he’d
laid eyes on her, she’d fascinated him; those beautiful green eyes and her
spunk. He’d felt the flame and hated it, as he was in mourning at the time but
the flame had been there. Not so with Billie, when they’d first met he had
arrested her for solicitation before helping her turn her life around, his love
for her had come later; after Larry had taken Carly away from him. It hadn’t
been enough for him to stay with her when Hope came back. He wouldn't have
looked her as a potential lover if Carly had been around.

He
wouldn't have left Carly when Hope came back.

The sudden epiphany
shook him to the core. He wouldn't have left Carly for Hope... that was the extent of his love for her. She
wasn't just his second great love, she was his mature love- when he’d met Hope
he was a young, brash biker; when Carly came to Salem, he was a widower and a
father and she’d changed his whole outlook in life. They’d pledged their love
on top of the El Castillo and were joined as spiritual partners and spiritual
partners were forever connected.

‘I have to get her
back.’ Bo said to himself. ‘And I will get her back.’

First of all, he was
going to apologise to Daniel and give his blessing. Then he’ll convince Darcy
to help him win her mother’s heart back.

::::::::::::::::

At The Java, Hope barely touched her
camomile tea; rage burning through her. She was yet to confront Bo about going
to Carly’s house and ordering yellow roses for her over the phone; she’d heard
him say it loud and clear, including what was to be written on the card. And
she’d checked his cell phone while he was in the shower and found Carly’s
number in the dialled numbers log. Carly was ruining her life all over again...
it was only a matter of time before she confessed he was the father of her baby
and then he’ll file for a divorce again.

‘Hello, Hope. It’s
been quite an age, hasn’t it?’

Hope regarded the
woman who sank into a chair opposite her coldly. ‘I have nothing to say to you,
so would you mind going to another table?’

‘Come now, Hope; I
thought we were friends.’ Vivian scolded.

‘We were never
friends, get that into your head.’

‘I should say we
were, considering we have one thing in common; a hatred for Carly Manning for
destroying our lives.’

Hope stirred her
tea, refusing to speak.

‘She ruined yours
more, my dear. Thanks to her, you’re no longer in law enforcement; she drove
you to those sleeping pills in the first place. And don't think I blame you for
that; what woman would stomach seeing her loving husband with another woman?’

‘Vivian; will you
please get the hell away from me?’ Hope snapped. ‘I don't need you telling me
something I already know; Carly’s a home wrecking bitch but this time, she’s
not taking my husband from me.’

‘This time?’ Vivian
raised her eyebrows. ‘Don't tell me Bo has had a change of heart. What
happened?’

‘It’s none of your
business, I will handle this myself, thank you.’ Hope said curtly.

‘Very well, dear.
But if you should need a shoulder to cry on...’ Hope flinched as Vivian laid a
manicured hand on her shoulder. ‘I’m right here. Believe me, I feel whatever
pain you’re going through.’

‘You know shit.’
Hope snapped, marching out of the coffee shop and slamming the door behind her.
Vivian calmly ordered a latte. Hope Brady was clearly nursing rage and in due
time, she will come running to her. She could afford to be patient.

:::::::::::::::::

‘Look who’s here.’
Bo said as soon as Hope entered their house.

‘Shawn D, what a
wonderful surprise!’ Hope exclaimed, rushing over to hug her son, suddenly feeling
better. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘I got time off work
and then I thought I could use the time to see you all and finally meet my
sister.’ He looked at his father, his expression sober. ‘And of course I want
to see Carly.’

Hope bit her lip,
turning her face away. Ignoring her, Bo cleared his throat. ‘I’ll give you her
address, she’ll be glad to see you.’

‘Have you caught the
prowler?’

‘No, not yet. So
far, we’ve got no leads and we don't know yet if Darcy’s blindness is
temporary, if it’s not she’s going to need surgery.’

‘Damn...’ Shawn D
shook his head, his eyes troubled.

‘In the meantime,’
Hope forced a smile. ‘Why don't I fix us a snack?’

‘Sounds great.’
Shawn D replied, but his tone sounded more absent minded than enthusiastic.
Gritting her teeth, Hope went into the kitchen. She’s even got her hooks on my son! She screamed inwardly, her hand
trembling as she opened the fridge. Is
there anything that woman won’t take from me?!

‘You guys are okay
now, right? You and Mum?’

Bo shrugged, not yet
ready to confide in his son. ‘Pretty much.’

‘Too bad it had to
come at someone else’s expense. This is Carly we’re talking about Dad, what the
hell were you thinking?’

‘Son, it was
complicated. And I do feel bad about it.’

‘That woman was like
a mother to me!’ Shawn D hissed, low enough for only Bo to hear. ‘She’s not
some person you can just have an affair with...’

‘It was not an
affair.’

‘Then how the hell
can you define it? Couldn't you have talk things out with Mum before you
decided to have a thing with Carly, knowing very well you wanted Mum back? Have
a fling while you were separated, but it shouldn’t have been with Carly!’

‘We’re not doing
this now!’ Bo hissed back. ‘Coulda, woulda, shoulda... I’ve heard it more than
enough! It’s bad enough Carly and your sister aren’t talking to me, I don't
have to be reminded how I screwed up from you!’

‘You don't like
hearing it, you shouldn’t have done it and I fucking hope that Carly will let
me inside her house. Because if your major mistake has ruined my own
relationship with her, just know I’ll never forgive you.’ was the cold reply.
‘I’m going to wash up.’

Bo sighed heavily,
rubbing his face. So far Carly refused to answer whenever he dialled her cell,
refused to reply his texts. He could only hope that after giving her a few days
to cool off, he’ll get her forgiveness again.... with Daniel and Darcy’s help.
Daniel has agreed to meet with him at The Cheating Heart later in the evening.

:::::::::::::::

‘Mum, a surprise for you.’

Carly
took one look at the smiling young man standing beside her son and she
exclaimed in delight; arms outstretched. ‘Shawn D! Oh my God, is that you?’

‘Carly...’
Shawn Douglas enfolded her in his arms as close as her enlarged tummy would
allow, kissing her on both cheeks.

Pulling back a bit, she touched his face with
her fingers; smiling tenderly. ‘My beautiful boy...Look at you all grown up and
so taller than me now.’

Shawn
Douglas laughed.

‘How’ve
you been, honey? How’s your wife and your little girl, did they come with you?’

‘I’m
sorry no, at the last minute Claire came down with a cold but Belle didn't let
me cancel the trip.’ He stared down at her stomach, then back at her, his eyes
questioning.

‘Come
on man... later about that. We have a lot to catch up on!’ Nicholas took his
jacket and put it away.

‘She’s
upstairs resting, she was discharged today. Nicky, make some coffee and finish
heating the pizza, will you?’

‘Sure,
Mum.’

Darcy
was sitting up in bed, while Lynn brushed her hair. They both turned as the
door opened. Shawn Douglas was startled at how Darcy looked so much their father,
albeit in a more feminine way and with much longer hair.

‘Cricket,
your brother Shawn D is here to see you.’

‘Oh.’
Darcy stretched out her hands which Shawn Douglas immediately took. ‘I’ve
waited so long to meet my other brother and I can’t see you how you look like.’
she said wryly.

‘You
will, in time.’ He smiled, hugging her close. ‘I’m very happy to meet you,
sis.’

Shawn Douglas looked at his
sister, already warming up to her; she had an aura of innocence about her,
something Chelsea never exactly had- Chelsea was vivacious yet exasperatingly
cocky half the time, well... before Zach’s untimely death. Darcy on the other
hand had quiet natural grace; just like Carly.

After dinner where he
learnt about Darcy’s engagement to Daniel and congratulated her, Shawn Douglas
and Carly sat on the porch to talk alone.

‘I heard what happened,
Carly and I’m so very sorry.’

‘It’s over and done with.’

‘But you got hurt.’ Shawn
Douglas stressed. ‘Damn it, you and Dad have a major history- he totally
crossed the line! If he wasn't sure, he should never have promised you
anything!’

‘Honey, I was the one who
broke up with him, because I knew he wanted to be with your mother. Feelings
aren’t something you can deny and I don't want you to hold it against him
because you feel for me.’

‘You were there for me, far
more than anyone before Mum came back. And after she came back, it’s not like
it was all bed and roses between her and Dad; not all of it was because of
Billie. They had problems and if you hadn’t come back, I’m willing to bet
anything Mum would’ve filed for a divorce.’

‘You’re being too hard on
your own mother, stop it.’ Carly admonished. ‘She realised her mistake and your
father forgave her. You should be pleased about it.’

‘Not at your expense,
Carly. I loved you and I still do. I can’t forget all those times you were there
for Dad and me; especially when I got hurt down that hole.’ Shawn D said
emotionally. ‘You filled a space that Dad couldn’t. So for him to do this to
you, I could...’

Carly hugged him tightly
when he reached for her, stroking his hair. ‘I’ve long accepted what happened
and the fact that we are not meant to be together, honey. Please don't let this
affect your relationship with your parents. I’m going to be okay.’

Shawn D pulled back,
looking down at her stomach. ‘And he didn't even tell me about this, either.
Just to show how much he cares about you.’

‘I can’t destroy your
parents’ marriage, this will definitely drive them apart and I won’t be
responsible for that and I have to protect this baby. I’m going to leave town
after it’s born anyway and everything will be the same, long before I came.’

‘You’re unbelievable!’
Shawn Douglas said incredulously. ‘How can you actually make this kind of
sacrifice?’

‘Because I love your father
and I will always love him!’ Carly said, her voice shaking.
‘That’s the only thing that hasn’t changed! And I have to protect this
child from slander, he or she will understand when the time comes. Please
understand why I have to do this.’

‘I do, I just wish I
didn't.’ Shawn Douglas muttered, drawing her into his arms again. ‘You just
reminded me further just why I love you, Carly. That’s the other thing that
will never change, for anything!’

Across the street, hidden
by the darkened interior of her car; Hope watched Carly and her son sitting on
the lighted porch, her hands gripping the steering wheel.

:::::::::::

‘No hard feelings then,
man?’

‘None. Darcy will be glad
to hear you’re cool about us now.’

‘And can I count on both of
you to help me get Carly back?’ Bo asked.

‘Well, you’re going to have
to convince Darcy you mean it before she agrees to help. And you’re going to
have to do a lot of work yourself; you really put your foot in it saying all
that to her.’

‘I know I did.’ Bo gripped
the handle of his beer mug. ‘And I’m ready to do anything, including letting
her know how much I love her.’

‘Better late than never. And
I’m sure glad you finally came to your senses.’ Daniel said dryly.

Bo grimaced.

‘Don't worry, in the end
Carly’s going to forgive you. At least you know she still loves you- she can’t
stay mad at you forever.’ And maybe she’ll finally tell him the truth about the
baby. Daniel was going to leave that task to her; it wasn't his place at all.
And for Carly’ sake, he hoped Bo really was serious about wanting another
chance with her.

:::::::::::::::::::

Lexie was still away sick
and Carly made a mental note to go and see her on the way home; she was
starting to get worried. Sorting her desk, she looked up as the door opened.
She straightened up, frowning. ‘Don't you knock?’

Without replying, Hope
dropped an envelope on her desk. ‘What the hell is this?’

‘You open it and you’ll
see.’

Carly obeyed, drawing out a
check. ‘A check for five million dollars? Why are you giving me this?’

‘Moving expenses.’ Hope
said, her face hard. ‘I want you out of Salem, out of my life for good.’

Carly laughed hollowly. ‘I
have more money than I can ever count in
a life time so try and find another subtle way of insulting me. And for
the record, you have no authority over me, I will leave Salem when I’m ready.’

‘You will leave now!’ Hope
shouted. ‘I’ve had it up to here with you! First you fucked my husband and now you think you can take
over my son as well! I am Shawn Douglas’ mother, not you! You have no right
taking over what’s mine!’

‘Shawn Douglas is a living,
breathing human being, not a piece of property! I have the right to love him, I
always have.’

Hope laughed harshly.
‘Until when you chose Lawrence Alamain over him and Bo, you had enough of
slumming, didn't you, high and mighty
Lady Von Leuschner? Vivian’s right about you; you put on the pure, innocent act
and then you poison everything you touch! And you have the nerve to sit in
judgment of me and entice Bo into your bed... it makes me sick just to even
look at you! I want you gone, Carly Manning, for good!’

‘I’m not inclined to obey
your orders, Hope Brady.’ Carly snapped back. ‘ I don't care what you or Vivian think of me. As for Shawn D, he
will always be my son, whether you like it or not- some bonds are meant to be
unbroken. And this is what I think of your check and your jealousy.’ Taking the
slip of paper, she tore it into pieces.
‘Petty and pathetic. Now, get out of my office before I call security to throw
you out.’

She turned away to throw
the pieces away and Hope darted over to her and grabbed her by the shoulders.
‘Get out of my life, you thieving bitch!’ she screamed, shaking her.

‘Let go of me!’ Carly
struggled fiercely.

In great rage Hope backhanded her across the face, causing
Carly to fall and landing heavily onto the floor, just as the door was flung
open. Hope turned wildly, her hands shaking, frozen on the spot at the sight of
Carly’s brother.

Frankie stared at her for a
second then hurried to the other side of the desk, pushing Hope roughly aside.
‘My God... sis, are you okay?’ he exclaimed, falling to his knees next to Carly.

Nicholas roughly grabbed
hold of Hope as she tried to run away; J.J meanwhile had already dashed off for
help. ‘And just where do you think you’re going?’ he shouted.

‘Don't you let her get
away, Nicky!’ Frankie ordered, not moving away from his sister.

‘It was an accident...’
Hope muttered, still struggling.

‘Oh, so your hand just happened to accidently sweep across my
mother’s face and caused her to fall?’ Nicholas gripped Hope by the neck tightly,
causing her to cry out in pain. ‘Make no mistake, you’re going back to prison.
And this time, you piece of psychotic trash, my uncle and I are going to make
sure you get the hardest sentence possible and have the judge throw away the
fucking key!’